WORK has begun on one of the more unique aspects of the Orange Regional Museum, the grass roof.
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This week, staff from Junglefy, a Sydney-based business specialising in green walls, roofs and hanging gardens, have been installing the system that will support the grass, and stop the soil washing off the roof during heavy rain.
A product called geo-webbing is being used. On the flat section of the roof, the framework is around 80 mm high while on the sloping section the framework is about 200mm high.
Junglefy site manager Johan Kusama, said there were many sustainable ideas behind building a green roof and Australia was at the forefront of the industry.
“The turf and 4mm of soil is all going to help the building’s insulation,” Mr Kusama said.
“It’s very progressive of Orange City Council and it’s a good step forward.”
Once the framework is completed, it is expected that the layer of specially formulated soil will be pumped on to the roof next week, followed by the laying of the turf ain about three weeks, weather permitting.
The turf will be a combination of Tall Fescue and Kentucky Blue Grass, the same as that used on the roof of Parliament House in Canberra.
When the building is finished, members of the public will be able to walk on the turf-covered roof.
The construction of the museum has experienced some delays due to the number of snowfalls and inclement weather last year, and rain over the last couple of days, however, the expected finish date is in the first half of this year.
Council is working on a plan to determine the most appropriate method of mowing the lawns on the roof.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au